10/02/2025
Azerbaijan Post Calls on Global Environmental Community to Support Lake Urmia
Azerbaijan Post, published in Toronto, Canada, has issued a statement inviting the global environmental community to take action in support of Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran.
Lake Urmia, which was once the largest saltwater lake in the Middle East and one of the largest saline lakes in the world, is home to rare migratory birds and other endemic species, and plays an important role in regulating the climate and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in the region.
However, over the past decades, neglect in protecting the 13 main rivers feeding the lake and the construction of numerous dams have completely blocked water flow to the lake. Currently, no effective and sustainable measures are being taken to restore the lake, and this crisis is severely felt both environmentally and socially.
Azerbaijan Post has invited international environmental organizations and activists to provide statements and take supportive actions to strengthen the global voice for the protection of Lake Urmia and draw the attention of authorities and the international community to this crisis. Messages and supportive statements from these activists will be published gradually in the newspaper to increase public awareness of the critical condition of the lake.
International Environmental Organizations Invited to Join:
1. UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
2. Climate Action Network (CAN)
3. Conservation International
4. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
5. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
6. Friends of the Earth International
7. The Nature Conservancy
8. Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)
9. Greenpeace International
10. Earthwatch Institute
11. Global Witness
12. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
13. World Resources Institute (WRI)
14. 350.org
15. Earth Day Network
16. Clean Water Action
17. The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
18. Environmental Integrity Project (EIP)
19. Institute for Environmental Security (IES)
20. Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED)
Full Statement for Reference:
Subject: Call for International Solidarity on Lake Urmia Environmental Crisis
Dear,
On behalf of Azerbaijan Post Journal, published in Canada/Toronto, we are reaching out to you regarding the urgent and alarming situation of Lake Urmia, once the largest saltwater lake in the Middle East, which is now facing near total desiccation. This ecological disaster not only threatens biodiversity and the livelihood of millions in the region, but also stands as a striking symbol of environmental injustice.
Lake Urmia, located in northwestern Iran between East and West Azerbaijan provinces, was historically a critical habitat for migratory birds, Artemia (a rare crustacean), and other endemic species. The lake also played a vital role in regulating the regional climate and supporting the livelihoods of millions of local residents.
However, over the past decades, the government has not implemented protective measures for the 13 major rivers that fed the lake and has built dozens of dams that block water from reaching it. Currently, no effective actions are being taken to restore the lake, accelerating its drying process.
We sincerely invite you, as an international environmental community/activist, to express your support and solidarity for Lake Urmia. Your statements, actions, or initiatives can help raise global awareness and put pressure on responsible authorities to address this crisis.
We would also be honored to publish your messages of support in Azerbaijan Post Journal, Canada/Toronto edition, thereby amplifying your voice and drawing global attention to this urgent cause.
We firmly believe that saving Lake Urmia requires a united global effort, and your participation and support can make a meaningful difference.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to protecting our shared environment. We look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board
Azerbaijan Post Journal, Canada/Toronto
